High school football playoffs

Carlsbad at Mira Mesa:
Marauders bring a three-game winning streak into a game matching two teams that have allowed more points than they've scored this season. Mira Mesa defense is allowing 29.9 points a game (scoring 26.3) while Carlsbad is giving up 20.4 (scoring 19.4).

Brawley at El Capitan:
For the second year in a row these teams will meet in the first round. The common thread is defense. The Imperial Valley League runner-up Wildcats are allowing 10.4 points per game. The Grossmont North League champion Vaqueros are surrendering 10.6.

Orange Glen at Scripps Ranch:
Patriots won their first four games but struggled down the stretch. Orange Glen features RBs Dana Walker and Kevin Donnellon. Falcons, who dropped their last three league games, count on University of Oklahoma commit Brennan Clay at RB.

Mar Vista vs. St. Augustine:
Mariners, who have won four in a row, will try to win their first playoff game since 1987. Rommell Cooper and Justin Peoples lead Mar Vista on offense. Saints defense has been solid all season. QB Evan Crower and WR Dana Barbaro key the offense.

IN THE NEWS

Record-breaker:
Mt. Carmel senior running back Kenneth James Jr. (right) set a San Diego Section single-game record last week with 424 yards rushing on 30 carries. He scored four touchdowns in the Sundevils' 49-32 win over Westview. James broke the record of 410 yards set by Escondido's Darrick Jackson in 2003.

Time to rest:
With first-round byes for the top four seeds in all five divisions, no Top 10 teams are in action tonight.

Running free:
On the final night of the regular season last week, the offenses took control with 30 teams in the section scoring 40 or more points.